new moen cartridge won't go in

The single handle bathtub fixture broke off yesterday. I pulled the cover off and managed to extract (it was pretty difficult!) the broken cartridge. I got a new assembly from HD and thought it would be pretty easy to install. However, I can't get the new moen cartridge in all of the way! Am i missing something? The old cartridge was numbered #96909 (or 60696). I can't find a direct replacement, but that wouldn't help because the handle itself broke too.

Also, would it be easier to just go with another brand? Will they work with the plumbing fixture pictured below? In the pic below, the new cartridge is in (but not all of the way).

First there is probably no valve out there that is easier to work on than what you have. Pull the cartridge back out and make sure there is nothing inside the bore of the valve. Grease the cartridge and push it in.

First there is probably no valve out there that is easier to work on than what you have. Pull the cartridge back out and make sure there is nothing inside the bore of the valve. Grease the cartridge and push it in.

Click to expand...

And the #1 Moen problem that graces the world wide web of plumbing forums? Can't get the *#@! cartridge out/stuck/broke off/pieces left in the assembly.

I start to whimper and cry like a baby when a customer calls me with a moen faucet problem. Special tools to remove them. Have to be careful how you reinstall them as well....can cut the rubbers quite easily because the valve openings are machined slotted, not ported.

Don't get me started on 875 series kitchen sink faucets either. Curse the one who's blessed with a leaking backflow preventor. Curses I say!

You buy a complete Posi-temp lever-style shower trim kit,cheapest one is TL182.Change out the handle and put the other parts (shower head,shower arm,escutcheon) in your junk box,or change them too,or throw them in the bushes,whatever.Available at any Moen distributor for what,40 bucks? I dont think the box stores carry the bulk-pack items but you can check.

I need to replace this cartridge too. I called moen cust. service and they are sending a free replacement cartridge out, so try that way first! The new moen part number is 1222. The lady said the 96909 part number was meaningless.